‘Kgolo’ puts spotlight on Batswana culture

The acclaimed Batswana musical play ‘Kgolo’ affectionately known as “Tlola Pitsa” features some of the country’s well-known actors, namely: Seputla Sebogodi, Peter Mashigo, Ontiretse Manyetsa, Gaolathle Mathenyane, Segomotso Modise, and Gaoimelwe Mokgakala to name a few on stage.

Multi-award winning writer and director Martin Koboekae offers a rare glimpse into a rich tapestry of Batswana culture and takes us on a journey that allows us to stare deep into Batswana’s darkest taboos, theories, myths, faith and convictions.

“It is a significant step towards debunking the myth that shows presented in vernacular languages are a waste of time. Setswana is one of the first indigenous languages to acquire written form and as such deserves to occupy centre stage in all platforms, be it culture, literature, dance and music,” said Koboekae.

Kgolo is a fictional story inspired by true events. It revolves around Oganne played by Manyetsa, a rebellious young man who ignores calls to lead his clan but instead settles with a coloured shebeen queen, Elsie played by Mokgakala in Vergenoeg near Kimberley.

Meanwhile, back home misfortune descends upon Oganne’s people and all manner of mishap is blamed on him because he fails to take heed of his elders’ call.

His aunt is bed-ridden following a mysterious disease, the fields fail to yield any crop and the animals die, prompting his Uncle Sups, played by Mathenyane to go and look for him, but upon arrival, his uncle is horrified to learn that Oganne is co-habiting with Elsie and that he entered the village’s cemetery at noon, an ultimate cultural transgression.

“KGOLO-Tlola Pitsa is an honest but light-hearted drama in the mould of satire and is boldly presented in Setswana. The actors’ comedic timing is a marvel to watch as they portray rural folks with the greatest of ease,” said Koboeka.

‘Kgolo’ is supported by the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) in association with the Nedbank Arts Affinity. It was last seen in Gauteng stages back in 2010 at the Windy brow Theatre.

The play runs until 29th October 2017. Tickets for the play are selling at R110 and the play is taking place in the Arena at the State Theatre.